Running on fearDear Editor, There are fantasies and then there are fantasies. Those that are considered as possible realities by fanatics are not only delusional but dangerous. ISIS can chop off heads, rape and k...

More silenceDear Editor, Another mass shooting, and Democrats demand gun control legislation, while the GOP refuses. Why? Their owners the NRA say so. I guess another moment of silence will have to suffice. At...

For Mel MeerDear Editor, As an 11-year member of Queens Community Board 11, I was disturbed to learn that one of my colleagues had not been reappointed to the board in April. Mel Meer admirably served 16 years...

Trump talkDear Editor, Donald Trump supporter Mitch McConnell said it's important that Trump picks a great vice presidential candidate because "it's pretty obvious that he doesn't know a lot about the issues...

Like Shaw saidDear Editor, I think that Donald Trump was able to defeat his 16 opponents because he just followed an advice given a long time ago by George Bernard Shaw, who said that “the secret to success is t...

Protect the flagDear Editor, An American flag was burned on Staten Island in front of a police precinct to protest the death of a 16-year-old boy. I find that extremely disturbing. Our American flag represents all...

On OrlandoDear Editor, The mass shooting in Orlando in which 50 people were killed and 53 wounded is the most horrendous act of mass murder in our country. These innocent people were shot because of their se...

More than a nameDear Editor, Anheuser-Busch announced that from May 23 to November 8 its Budweiser brand is changing the name on their cans and bottles from Budweiser to America, apparently to profit from this yea...

Against bag feeDear Editor, I have read several opinions about the five-cent charge for plastic bags. It is now beach season and most people use plastic bags to go to the beach. I am against it. I recycle my bags...

Stumped by TrumpDear Examiner, Recently, Stephen Hawking was asked to explain Donald Trump's popularity in America. The brilliant astrophysicist responded, "I can't, he seems to appeal to the lowest common denomin...

Train to nowhereDear Editor: The start of construction for the new LaGuardia Airport missed the current status of the accompanying train-to-the-plane project. Original project sponsor Governor Andrew Cuomo and sup...

Wright stuffDear Editor, The news that David Wright will now be on the disabled list for six to eight weeks due to continued back problems is indeed concerning. It is unfortunate that the young age of 33 he sh...

Waiting to die?Dear Editor, Recently, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald said that the VA should not use wait times as a measure of success, comparing waits for VA health care to the hours people wait for...

Oil prices were edging higher for a second session on Friday on hopes that non-OPEC producers meeting in Vienna would agree to cut output to bolster the group's own agreement to limit production. On Saturday, oil ministers from OPEC countries will meet non-OPEC producers in Vienna to seek help in curbing a global glut. Russia has said it would cut 300,000 barrels per day, meaning other non-OPEC producers combined would need to pledge the same amount to lower output by the 600,000 bpd OPEC wants.

Before Syria's ruinous civil war struck Aleppo, the country's largest city was a busy commercial powerhouse and a proud historic center - its long heritage on display in ancient landmarks still used by modern day traders, travelers or worshippers. The rebels hoped their march into Aleppo marked the beginning of the end for President Bashar al-Assad, while the government in Damascus pledged to swiftly drive them out.